Spain and Mexico propose changes to oil transfer rules.

(From Lloyds List)

Byline: Brian Reyes in Gibraltar

SPAIN and Mexico have submitted a joint proposal to the International Maritime Organization to amend the Marpol 73'78 convention with a new chapter regulating ship-to-ship transfers of oil on the high seas.

Although STS transfers, both inter-ship and as part of bunkering operations, are increasingly common in many areas of the world, they are not covered by any international regulations.

They often take place outside territorial waters and beyond the jurisdiction of the closest coastal states.

The proposal, which will be discussed at the next meeting of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee in July, argues that such transfers pose 'a high risk for the marine ecosystems and coastlines of the states off whose shores [they] take place''

'The threat caused by the presence of a tanker is made worse when there are continual movements taking place in poorly protected waters which are at greater risk of oil spills and lack any detection, containment or anti-pollution equipment,' the submission states. Changing weather conditions can also impact ...